Chapter 716: Can You Handle Me?
Chapter 716: Can You Handle Me?
Baek Ja-gang, Leader of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, stood atop a roof that offered a sweeping view of the Shinhwa Guild’s estate.
Behind him, Bi Sa-in reported the findings of their investigation.
“According to our results, it appears that Young Guild Master An Hu-pyeong and the other warriors of the Shinhwa Guild were entirely unaware of the plot.”
It was only natural. A plan as monumental as the assassination of the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader would never have been leaked carelessly. It was a secret likely buried with the Yeomsa Sword and the Iron Cold Blade, both of whom had died alongside Shinhwa Guild Master An Cheong-gwang.
“How should we handle An Hu-pyeong?” Bi Sa-in asked.
As the direct blood relative of the man who orchestrated the treason, he could easily be held accountable. Even if he were innocent, a crime could be manufactured in an instant to justify his execution.
However, Baek Ja-gang saw no need for such measures.
“Leave him be. If he truly didn't know, there is no reason to punish him.”
Bi Sa-in bowed, considering this a wise decision.
An Hu-pyeong lacked the ruthlessness and the mettle required to seek revenge for this incident. Rather than displaying the cold-heartedness of purging a bloodline, demonstrating the broad magnanimity of the Alliance Leader was a far better choice for his reputation.
In truth, the real problem for An Hu-pyeong was only just beginning.
If he were to inherit the Shinhwa Guild as he was now, could a spoiled brat who had lived like a common thug truly protect the guild in the cutthroat world of the Unorthodox Path? It would be a desperate, uphill battle.
Just then, the voice of In Gung, the Escort Captain, drifted through the air.
“Young Cult Leader Geom has arrived.”
“Let him in.”
Bi Sa-in bowed to Baek Ja-gang. “Then I shall take my leave.”
Sensing that his master wished to speak with Geom Mu-geuk privately regarding the recent events, Bi Sa-in stepped aside. A moment later, Geom Mu-geuk stepped onto the roof where Baek Ja-gang waited alone.
“I greet the Alliance Leader.”
After a polite bow, Geom Mu-geuk expressed his gratitude. “Thank you for entrusting this matter to me.”
Since it had been a plot to take his life, Baek Ja-gang could have personally overseen every detail from start to finish. Moreover, this was the heart of the Unorthodox Path Alliance’s territory.
“Do you know why I left this matter to you?”
“What was the reason?”
It wasn't out of laziness, nor was it simply because Geom Mu-geuk had been the one to warn him of the assassination plot.
Baek Ja-gang, who had been staring down at the Shinhwa Guild, turned to face the young man. “It was out of respect for you.”
Sensing the sincerity in the older man's voice, Geom Mu-geuk bowed his head deeply. “I am truly grateful that you hold me in such high regard. I, too, have always respected you, Alliance Leader.”
It didn't sound like empty flattery. Naturally, the gaze Baek Ja-gang directed toward Geom Mu-geuk softened.
“You did well.”
“The Smiling Demon did all the work this time. I just had a good night's sleep.”
Baek Ja-gang stared silently at Geom Mu-geuk for a long moment. “It seems you slept very well indeed.”
Surprisingly, Baek Ja-gang had detected a subtle change. Geom Mu-geuk seemed to grow stronger every time they met. This Young Cult Leader was the kind of person who made those thinking of retirement feel like they should start their journey all over again. Baek was certain the Murim Alliance Leader felt the same way—perhaps even the Demonic Cult Leader was no different.
“Did you find out why they wanted to kill me?”
“I apologize, but I could not find a definitive answer.”
Baek Ja-gang expected as much. The moment he heard those prophetic words, this had ceased to be a simple assassination plot.
“What do you think of that nonsense?”
If the Unorthodox Path Alliance Leader does not die, the Murim will be destroyed.
By calling it "nonsense," Baek Ja-gang made it clear he had no intention of destroying the Murim. Mu-geuk could have simply agreed to please him, but he chose a different path.
“It probably isn't nonsense.”
Baek Ja-gang’s small eyes glinted sharply.
“I believe there is definitely some meaning behind those words,” Mu-geuk continued. “The Heavenly Flower Pavilion Master said it sounded like a prophecy. That means you are deeply involved in future events, one way or another.”
“Then, does that mean you believe those words?”
“That you would destroy the Murim? No, of course not. If you did that, the Murim really would be doomed.”
Mu-geuk knew it was what the man wanted to hear, but the Alliance Leader couldn't help but feel pleased by the Young Cult Leader's confidence.
“I don't believe those words at all,” Baek Ja-gang stated firmly.
“Then why did you say they were meaningful?”
“Because they come from people with twisted convictions. They are descendants of the Heavenly Will Palace, who believe they are the executors of heaven's will. Specifically, they are from the Dark Palace, known to be the most evil among the three palaces of the Heavenly Will Palace. You know as well as I do that three hundred years ago, they actually started a war to conquer the Murim.”
Geom Mu-geuk interpreted the prophecy from their perspective. “If you remain alive, they might not be able to achieve whatever it is they dream of. Perhaps they interpreted you saving the Murim as its destruction instead.”
Baek Ja-gang gave a faint smile. In the end, it meant it wasn't just random gibberish, but serious gibberish from their point of view.
“I have no intention of destroying the Murim, but I have no intention of saving it either.”
“One never knows.”
Even these words didn't sound like flattery. Geom Mu-geuk truly believed the man might be the one to save the Murim.
“Do not be offended by that prophecy,” Mu-geuk said. “It only means you stand at the center of this incident. However, I believe one thing is certain. There is something they hope to gain by assassinating you. Since there is a clear successor, it isn't the power of the Unorthodox Path Alliance they're after, but something else.”
Geom Mu-geuk stared at Baek Ja-gang and asked, “What is it they want, Alliance Leader?”
Baek Ja-gang did not answer immediately. “The answer surely lies with you.”
*
Bi Sa-in was looking out over the final stage of the tournament grounds.
Just then, Geom Mu-geuk used his light body technique to drift down and land on the empty stage.
“What a shame. I wanted to see Lee An crowned as the World’s Most Beautiful Woman on this very stage.”
Bi Sa-in had known he would come looking for him. If Mu-geuk had gone to see his master, he would naturally seek out the disciple as well. Indeed, he had found his way perfectly without needing a designated meeting place.
“If you're so disappointed, you should host the contest again,” Bi Sa-in replied dryly.
At his words, Geom Mu-geuk sat on the edge of the stage, swinging his legs. “A 'World’s Most Beautiful Woman' contest hosted by the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult? I wonder if anyone would even dare to participate out of fear. With no other contestants, you could probably make it to the finals even if you just wore makeup and entered yourself.”
Bi Sa-in let out a short, sharp laugh. Most of his laughs were born of such absurdity, but he found himself laughing quite often around Geom Mu-geuk.
“Are you returning to the Cult now?”
“I have to. Maybe it's because I saw the Alliance Leader, but I really miss my father.”
He had told Cha Yi-ran that they should save Ak Gun-hak and let him leave, but he couldn't just do that blindly. He didn't know where Ak Gun-hak was, and even if he did, this wasn't a matter that could be handled so simply.
If he trusted Ak Gun-hak, he had to wait for him. If their fates were meant to remain intertwined, destiny would surely call.
“By the way, do you know where the place with the best atmosphere and scenery around here is?”
“Why do you ask?”
Even though this was the territory of the Unorthodox Path Alliance, Geom Mu-geuk, who had traveled all over the Central Plains, likely knew the area better than he did. He wondered why Mu-geuk was asking, but the intention was clearly to tease him.
“I want to do that thing you're so good at.”
“Something I'm good at? What would that be?” Bi Sa-in's sense of unease began to rise. He would have preferred an answer like "killing people!"
“You know... the thing you're so good at doing behind your friends' backs.”
Just as Bi Sa-in's sense of crisis reached its peak, Geom Mu-geuk whispered, “That secret, private affection of yours. Your hidden love!”
Bi Sa-in was momentarily flustered. He knew Mu-geuk was referring to Han Seol, the Young Palace Master of the Ice Palace, but he feigned ignorance.
“I have no idea what you're talking about.”
Mu-geuk had said he would tease him forever, and it seemed the campaign had officially begun.
“I'm leaving today because I'm busy, but...” Geom Mu-geuk leaped away as he spoke, continuing to shout over his shoulder. “Ah! You should have come along so I could pass on my secret romantic techniques to you!”
*
The 17th Gyo was crossing a narrow wooden bridge.
The bridge spanned the water, leading to a pavilion set in the middle of a lake. The surrounding scenery was incomparably beautiful, but she could not enjoy the wildflowers swaying by the shore or the emerald lake sparkling like a jewel.
Cha Yi-ran had ordered her to go to this pavilion. She had singled her out and sent her here without any explanation, other than one cryptic instruction: to dress up nicely before going. For some reason, it felt like she was heading out on an assassination mission.
And so, the 17th Gyo arrived at the pavilion.
Upon stepping onto the wooden floor, she froze. Waiting there was the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest. He also seemed surprised, as if he hadn't expected her to appear.
An awkward silence hung between them.
The 17th Gyo realized it then. Cha Yi-ran must have noticed her feelings for this Faceless Guest. Had the 5th Gyo told her? Or had someone reported seeing them greet each other while clearing away the bodies? Regardless, she assumed this was Cha Yi-ran's warning—a silent command not to give her heart to a man.
The 17th Gyo took a deep breath and broke the silence. Thinking she might never see this man again, she decided to share her honest feelings.
“Thank you for saving me twice. I was truly happy when I saw that you were alive earlier.”
She had been genuinely glad when Cha Yi-ran decided to take shelter under the shadow of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. But now, even if they were in the same place, she feared she would never be able to acknowledge him again.
She pulled a dagger from her bosom and handed it to him.
“This dagger is meaningful to me. I want to give it to you as a token of my gratitude.”
Though she spoke boldly, her voice trembled. To feel such emotions for someone whose face she hadn't even seen... it was overwhelming.
“And please understand if I act as if I don't know you from now on.”
The Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest listened to her words in silence.
“Well then, I'll be going now.”
Just as she bowed her head to say goodbye, someone flew across the lake like the wind and landed in the pavilion. It was Geom Mu-geuk, holding a bottle of wine.
“I bought some wine for the two of you. Since you probably can't drink much, I bought one with a nice aroma. It's awkward meeting for the first time, so having something like this in the middle helps the mood, right? You have no idea how far I had to run to buy this. But why is the atmosphere like this? Did you two fight already?”
Both the 17th Gyo and the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest were startled by his sudden appearance.
The 17th Gyo asked, her face pale with shock, “Young Cult Leader, why are you here?”
“What do you mean why? I'm the one who called you both. I asked Miss Cha to send you here.”
To the bewildered woman, Geom Mu-geuk said, “Have you forgotten already? Didn't I say I would arrange a place for you to express your gratitude? I told you to meet him in person and give him the dagger.”
“...!”
How could she have forgotten? But she had never imagined the Young Cult Leader would actually follow through on such a promise, so she hadn't considered that he was the one behind it.
He really arranged this for me?
The 17th Gyo’s face turned bright red. Unaware of the truth, she had just poured out her heart to the man. She couldn't bring herself to look at him.
“I misunderstood. I am sorry.” She was so embarrassed she wanted to jump into the lake.
That was when the Crescent-Moon Faceless Guest spoke for the first time. “The Young Cult Leader even bought wine.”
The 17th Gyo looked up at him.
“At least stay for a drink before you go,” he added softly.
A small surge of emotion spread through her eyes. The Faceless Guest politely clasped his hands in a fist salute to Geom Mu-geuk, expressing his gratitude.
“Thank you for arranging this, Young Cult Leader.”
At this moment, the Faceless Guest seemed so composed that the 17th Gyo felt an intense curiosity about what kind of face lay beneath that mask.
“Then, I'll leave you two to talk.”
Leaving them behind, Geom Mu-geuk quietly slipped away. In an instant, he crossed the lake and landed on the shore where Cha Yi-ran was waiting. He had been a dignified Young Cult Leader just a moment ago, but now...
“Miss Cha, is there a secret technique among assassins for breathing underwater and eavesdropping? Ah! I'm dying to know what those two are talking about! Let's go sneak a listen!”
Cha Yi-ran had been surprised when he asked her to call the 17th Gyo. She was surprised that he actually brought the two together, but even more so that he hadn't forgotten. The Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult hadn't forgotten a promise made to a mere subordinate?
Cha Yi-ran turned her gaze toward the pavilion. “What if those two actually decide to elope?”
“That would be nice, but in reality, they'll probably just keep each other in their hearts and yearn for one another for the rest of their lives.”
“Wouldn't that be more miserable?”
At that, Geom Mu-geuk stared at her and asked abruptly, “Are you more miserable because you keep that person in your heart?”
“...!”
It wasn't like that. In her life, her feelings for him occupied a large space in the small realm of her happiness—even if it was a one-sided emotion.
“If you join the Cult, those two won't have to elope. They can live happily,” Mu-geuk said.
“Are you telling me to become a demonic practitioner for their sake?”
Then, unexpected words flowed from Geom Mu-geuk's mouth. “No, I'm telling you to become one for my sake.”
Cha Yi-ran was momentarily stunned. She never expected him to say such a thing.
“Become my personal assassin squad. Rumors will spread throughout the Murim! They'll say the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult leads the greatest assassin squad in the world! And that it's composed of truly beautiful women!”
Cha Yi-ran looked at Geom Mu-geuk. “Can you handle me?”
A brief silence followed. She thought he would wave his hand and say it was a joke, but Geom Mu-geuk stared at her with a serious expression. For a very brief moment, Cha Yi-ran wondered what life would be like if she lived that way. This Young Cult Leader was someone who made one seriously consider even the most ridiculous proposals.
“You said you'd let me leave as I pleased once those people were dealt with,” she reminded him.
“Wouldn't it be such a waste to just let a talent like you go?”
She should have dismissed it as nonsense. Instead, Cha Yi-ran asked another question. “That person fought in order to leave. Then what are you fighting for?”
After a short pause, Geom Mu-geuk answered. “At least one thing is certain. It isn't for the unification of the Murim or its destruction.”
He revealed his honest feelings to her.
“I want to go fishing with my father, hang out with the Demon Lords, drink wine, read books, and go on trips. That's how I want to live.”
Geom Mu-geuk looked toward the pavilion across the sun-drenched water.
“And I want to help those two elope. And...” Finally, he looked at Cha Yi-ran and added, “And help you find your love, too.”
Cha Yi-ran couldn't tell where the sincerity ended and the joking began, but one thing was certain: being with this man would bring a great change to her life.
Geom Mu-geuk let out a mock sigh. “To me, living a life like that feels harder than unifying the Murim.”
His gaze toward her deepened.
“Can you handle a man like me?”